Expandable linkage with slotted tubular bearings for mounting coil springs



March 19, 1957 E. KUPCHICK EXPANDABLE LINKAGE WITH SLOTTED TUBULAR BEARINGS FOR MOUNTING COIL SPRINGS Filed March 31, 1954 INVENTOR United States Patent EXPANDABLE LINKAGE WITH SLOTTED TUBU- LAR BEARINGS FOR MOUNTING COIL SPRINGS Edward Kupchick, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application March 31, 1954, Serial No. 419,959

Z Claims. (Cl. 59-79) This invention relates to bracelets ad more specifically to expandable bracelets that are useful among other things as decorative arm or wrist bands, wristwatch bands and the like.

Expandable bracelets and particularly those used as articles of jewelry have not been entirely satisfactory for a number of reasons, among them being the limited space in which to install the spring mechanism. Because these springs must of necessity be small and yet provide sutcient strength to overcome friction and the weight of the band as well as other elements that may be made part thereof, a few turns of relatively heavy spring steel has been used. Such a procedure limits the spring action and as a result the resistance of the spring increases very rapidly as the bracelet is expanded, so that the force exerted by the spring in the expanded position of the bracelet is very much greater than that at the contracted position of the bracelet. These prior structures, therefore, necessitated careful adjustment of the bracelet to the wearers arm in order to avoid undue discomfort should the bracelet be unduly expanded. Accordingly, one object of the invention is to overcome the foregoing -ditlculties and provide an improved bracelet wherein the force exerted by the spring is substantially uniform throughout the movement of the bracelet links from the fully contracted position to the fully extended position.

Another object of the invention is a new and improved bracelet structure characterized by a durability, simplicity and low cost of manufacture. In essence this invention provides a basic operating assembly of a series of spring loaded links which forms the bracelet and a series of covering elements. These covering elements may be formed of a thin material ornamented or prepared in any `desired manner to beautify and lend an interesting appearance to the nished article while the links them selves may be formed of any suitable material that will provide the necessary strength, durability and lightness of weight.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of an improved expandable bracelet having a minimum of components that are designed and arranged to pro-` vide long life, ease of repair and maximum comfort to the wearer through improved cooperation of the links to nest one within the other to form a circular band.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings forming part of this application.

In the drawings: l

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a bracelet in accordance with the invention with the links in a contracted position;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the bracelet of Fig. l with the links in the expanded or extended position;

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of two links of the bracelet of Figs. 1 and 2 greatly enlarged to illustrate the elements thereof and their cooperation with adjoining links;

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Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the closure orcover part for the links;

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the invention in the plane of the connecting pins and with the links in the expanded position;

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of Fig. 5 along the line 6-6 thereof; and

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of Fig. 5 in the plane 7-7 thereof and with the links in the contracted position.

Briefly the bracelet in accordance with the invention comprises a series of primary links coupled by secondary links whihc include spring means for urging the primary links into overlapping relationship when the bracelet is in the contracted position. With this arrangement a sturdy dependable structure is produced and at the same time the spring means functions to effect substantially uniform contracting force on the links in both the contracted as well as expanded positions. Thus the adjustment of the bracelet for the wearers arm is not critical and it affords maximum comfort even if worn with the links completely extended one relative to the others. In `addition each of the links is curved in such a manner as to cause them to nest one against the other and assume a circular formation when the bracelet is in the contracted position.

Referring now to the figures and more specifically to Figs. l and 2, showing the contracted and expanded positions of the bracelet, respectively, the primary links are denoted by the numeral 10 and the secondary links or coupling means are denoted by the numeral 12. Each primary link 10 includes a removable cover or closure member 14 shown more clearly in Fig. 4 prior to installation on the bracelet. This cover may be formed of any suitable material with either a plain polished surface or suitably ornamented or prepared in any desired manner. While its primary function is to improve the appearance of the structure, it also protects the operative elements and secures the connecting pins in position as will be described.

The basic structure of the bracelet is shown in Figs. 3 and 5 to 7. The primary links 10 each comprise a nar.- row body part 16 and somewhat wider end sections 18. These end sections are each provided with tubularly shaped members 20 and 20 on each side thereof having central openings `22 and 22 aligned with the body part 16 and in axial alignment with its corresponding member on the other end of the link. Thus the two pairs of members 2.0 and 20' on one link each form a portion of a hinge and are adapted to receive a. hinge pin-24 coupling the links 10 to the secondary links 12. While the link 10 is preferably fabricated from a single piece of material formed in the shape of an I with the end members 18 rolled inwardly to form the: tubular parts 20 and 20 it is apparent that these tubular parts may be formed and attached in any suitable manner. In order to enable the several links 10 to nest one against the other as shown for instance in Figs. l and 7, it is preferable to curve the body part 16 and end sections 1S of each link as illustrated in Fig. 3.

Each pair of adjoining primary links 10 are coupled one to the other by an intervening secondary link 12 having a body part 2,6 and tubular side members 28 and 28. The length of this coupling link 1 2 is slightly shorter than the distance between the tubular members 20 and Ztl of the link 10 and the opening 30 in the tubular member 28 is adapted to be engaged by a pin 24 extending through the tubular members 22 for instance of the link 1t). The tubular member 28 of the link 12 is formed slightly differently than the member 28, in 'that its central opening 32 is enlarged thoughout a portion of its length to receive a coil spring 34 having an internal diameter large enough -to nreceive Y a pin 24. The inside wall of the tubular member 28 also includes a slotted portion 36 for engaging one leg or end 34a of the spring. The upper fend f34`b 'ofs'pri'ng -34 fre'sts against the body part 16 of the adjoining link 10 as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Thus Afthe springfunctions to move the couplinglink'i in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 6 and in so doing carries the left hand link 10 into overlapping'relationship with the right hand link 10. This overlapping position with the links nested one in the other is clearly illustrated 'in Figa A`l and y7-whi1e the'extendedpcsition can be seen inFigs. 2and'6.

The l`size Aand strength of the spring 34 can be varied tolmeet the -requirements lof a -specic structure and application while at the saine time effecting substantially uniform spring pressure throughout all positions of the links. While the-spring as illustrated Vin the drawingsis foul-y about one third the length of the coupling link 12, Vit may-extend over the entire length if desired.

When the-links 10 and 12 are assembled as shown iu Fig.` 6, each link 10 is covered by the enclosure member 14 of Fig. 4. This member is -provided witha body part A3S that is curved at 40 to extend partially over the outer edge of lits link 10 and has a central channeled part 43 which nests against the link 10. A pair of side walls 42 extend downwardly over the end of the link and secure the .pins 24 in position without other fastening means. However, in the event this structure is to be employed without ythe cover member 14, the pins may be riveted, soldered or otherwise secured 'in position. In this embodiment of the invention, the cover 14 is held in place on the link 10 by four lugs or tabs 44 that are bent inwardly about 14 tubular parts 20 and 20 thereof.

The completed bracelet thus -provides an attractive structure that may be readily and easily expanded to t thc wearers arm and in addition can be arranged with any type of ornamental covers that may be desired. With this arrangement the links, -pins and springs may be fabricated for instance of an -inexpensive material that will provide long and dependable service, such as stainless steel, aluminum or the like. The covers 14 on the other hand being merely closure or ornamental members are generally of thin section and may be formed of any material that will provide the desired appearance.

With the invention as vdescribed above, a strong durable structure may be produced at relatively low cost since the materials vforming the link members can be made of inexpensive, strong corrosion-resistant metals, and the ornamental covers being relatively thin require little material and do not atfect the strength and effectiveness -of the finished article. Not only does the uniform spring pressure provide maximum comfort for the wearer, but since the links Vare curved to nest one within the other to form a circular arrangement as shown for instance in Fig. 7, they will readily conform to the shape of the wrist and thereby further add to the comfort of the wearer.

Although vthe invention -has been vdescribed -as -an article of jewelry, it is apparent that it may be used for other and different purposes, and that changes, modications and alternations may be made without departing from the true scope and spirit thereof.

What is claimed is: v

l. A bracelet comprising a plurality of primary links,

`each primary link lhaving 'an elongated, transversely curved body portion and transverse end sections on Athe body portion, said end sections and body portion having inner and outer faces, said end sections being curved and having tubular -ends disposed inwardly of the inner faces of the end sections and positioned outwardly of and parallel with the side edges of the body portion, the tubular ends on each side edge of the body portion being in axial alignment, a plurality of secondary links interposed between the primary links, each secondary link having a iiat body section of Vrelatively 'narrow widthand having inner and outer faces, `each body-section having v'tubular bearing members "integrally lformed on the side edges thereof and disposed inwardly of the inner face thereof, said tubular bearing members being fitted :between Yand aligned with the tubular -ends on each side of vthe body `portion of the primary Vlinksfone of said tubular bearing members of each secondary link being axially slotted vat one of its ends and at the Ainner face of the `body section, a coil spring Vfitted within the slotted end of said tubular member and having laterally extending, v'oppositely disposed inner land outer end portions, said inner end portion of the spring bearing against the wall of the slot and the outer end 'portion of the spring 'extending laterally of the slotted end of the tubular kbearing 'member and bearing against the inner face ofthe body portion -of `the -primaryelink so that the spring urges tiieprimary links into overlying relationship one with the other when the braceletis in a Acontracted position, pins extending through the aligned 'tubular ends and the tubular bearing members and through the coil springs to couple the primary links and the secondary links together and means retaining the pins vagainst axial movement.

2. A bracelet as claimed in claim l, whereina cover member overlies the outer face of *each of the primary links, means carried 'by the cover members for attachment to theprimary links and tabs on the ends of the cover members overlying the vends of the pins and constituting the pin 'retaining means.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNlTBD STATES VPfiTliNlS 757,772 Rodenberg Apr. 19, i904 2,574,567 Jaccarino Nov. 13, 19`5`l FOREIGN PATENTS 251,199 Switzerland Oct. V'15, 1'947 

